Spontaneity has given way to algorithms, and the sensory delights of browsing have been replaced by sterile scrolling

Once upon a time, I was a passionate window-shopper. I could spend hours gallivanting in a mall or a market, viewing and trying out things I didn’t need, but often ended up purchasing. Not any longer.

During my latest visit to a mall this week after several months, I realised how my appetite for browsing and buying had nearly died. Our family now happily gets everything delivered to our doorstep: from Apple to Android phones.Shopping had long been a cherished ritual, offering an experience that transcended mere transactions. It tapped into emotions and senses, creating memories, fostering relationships, and offering solace in unexpected ways.

Yet, the rise of e-commerce has drastically altered this landscape, leading to the erosion of the joys of traditional shopping.The sensory overload of colours, smells, and sounds has been replaced by the sterile, one-dimensional world of online shopping.

We now scroll through product images on a screen, devoid of any real human interaction. Shopping was once an opportunity to step out of our daily routines, to wander through aisles with no particular destination in mind, and to let our imaginations run wild as we browsed items we didn’t know we needed until we saw them. This spontaneity is all but lost in the algorithm-driven world of e-commerce, where every click is tracked and every recommendation is based on past behaviour, leaving little room for surprise or serendipity.

Moreover, shopping in physical stores offered a tactile connection to the products we bought. We could feel the fabric of a garment, test the weight of a book in our hands, or smell the aroma of freshly baked bread before making a decision. These sensory experiences are deeply rooted in our memories and play a significant role in our attachment to the items we purchase.

Online shopping, in contrast, offers a purely visual experience, reducing our interaction with products to mere images on a screen. The absence of this tangible connection often leads to a lack of emotional attachment to the items we buy, turning shopping into a mechanical process rather than an enjoyable pastime. In the past, shopping was as much about the experience as it was about the purchase.

The thrill of discovery, the joy of window shopping, and the satisfaction of finding that perfect item after hours of searching were all part of the journey. However, it would be unfair to dismiss the advantages of e-commerce entirely. The convenience of shopping from the comfort of our homes and the ability to compare prices across multiple retailers are undeniable benefits. For those with busy schedules or physical limitations, online shopping has been a game-changer, providing opportunities that would have been unimaginable a few decades ago.

Yet, as we embrace these conveniences, we must also consider what we are losing in the process. The act of shopping is not just a means to an end but a valuable experience in itself. It is a chance to connect with our communities, indulge our senses, and find joy in the unexpected. As we move towards a digital future, it is worth considering how we can preserve these intangible aspects of shopping that bring richness and depth to our lives.

In the end, the choice is not about rejecting technology or clinging to the past, but about finding a balance that allows us to enjoy the best of both worlds. We can find ways to reintroduce the joy of discovery, the pleasure of the tactile, and the warmth of human connection into our shopping experiences, even as we click our way through the digital aisles.In my case, I attribute my loss of interest to a feeling of satiety, a recognition that I have more than I need and it’s time for me to stop indulging in senseless accumulation of material things. Period.

(The author is a columnist and writing coach based in Dubai. Views are personal)